Berneunion forum - Recent Posts https://forum.berneunion.org/recent.aspx Berneunion forum - Recent Posts en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit AspNetForum Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:13:35 GMT Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:13:35 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7044-vietnam-corporate-risk-long-term-transactions.aspx Topic "Vietnam: corporate risk, long term transactions" a message from Heike Kensmann
According to our cover policy for Vietnam we accept MLT corporate business of up to EUR 5 million based on Vietnamese accounting standards. Bank security is required in case insufficient creditworthiness.

For MLT transactions of more than EUR 5 million balance sheets according IFRS standards are requested. Bank security is required; exception is possible in case of a good creditworthiness.

Good but few experiences so far.


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:13:35 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7044-vietnam-corporate-risk-long-term-transactions.aspx Topic "Vietnam: corporate risk, long term transactions" a message from Barbara Sburny Thank you and kind regards,
OeKB]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 13:43:21 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7039-suriname--cover-policies.aspx Topic "Suriname - Cover policies" a message from Martina Hribar Bošković Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:55:10 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7039-suriname--cover-policies.aspx Topic "Suriname - Cover policies" a message from Heike Kensmann
In the ST business our experience with smaller limits on private buyers has been generally positive, and transactions have proceeded without any significant payment delays. We do not have experience with public buyers, including those in the energy sector.

Under single transaction cover for M/LT transactions we have no significant experience because there have been neither any new covered transactions nor even demand for cover. At present, we register just one small transaction (single-digit million euro amount).
The first due instalment was paid on time.

Our current cover facilities and commitments towards Suriname are as follows:

Country risk category: 7/7

ST: P: off cover
C: CBC
M/LT: P: off cover
C: CBC (small amounts only)

For more details, please see on our homepage: Suriname

ST commitments: EUR 0.4 million
M/LT commitments: EUR 0.7 million

No overdues, claims or offers.


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:53:36 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7039-suriname--cover-policies.aspx Topic "Suriname - Cover policies" a message from Martina Hribar Bošković Dear members,

we kindly ask you to share your experience with cover policy (ST, MLT) on Suriname.
Do you have any experience with public buyers from energy sector?

Kind regards,
HBOR]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:10:58 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7036-cover-policy--rwanda.aspx Topic "Cover policy – Rwanda" a message from Željka Hajdina many thanks for prompt reply
Željka
Export Credit Insurance Department
HBOR, Croatia]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:47:03 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7036-cover-policy--rwanda.aspx Topic "Cover policy – Rwanda" a message from Sonja Wittkowski
Our current cover facilities and commitments towards Rwanda are as follows:

Country risk category: 6/7

ST: NR / C: CBG on CBC; P: guarantee from the Ministry of Finance or the central bank is always required
M/LT: CBC, in addition, cover is available for project finance and other structured finance deals, where necessary based on countertrade transactions.
C: CBG on CBC;
P: guarantee from the Ministry of Finance or the central bank is always required / for transactions with public buyers which are established as private
sector organizations the same collateral requirements as for private buyers apply.

For more details, please see on our homepage: Rwanda
ST commitments :
 EUR 0.6 million
M/LT commitments :
 EUR 0 million

No overdues, claims or offers.


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:52:00 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7036-cover-policy--rwanda.aspx Topic "Cover policy – Rwanda" a message from Željka Hajdina we are interested in knowing if you have cover policy (ST/MLT) towards Rwanda or maybe Rwanda is off cover.
Kindly share your cover policy and experiences.
Thanks in advance!
Željka Hajdina
Export Credit Insurance Department
HBOR, Croatia]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:54:23 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6676-kazakhstan.aspx Topic "Kazakhstan" a message from Ayan Bektybayeva Dear Collegues !
Let me share overview of key developments in Kazakhstan over the past three years for the attention of country risk experts
1. Sovereign credit profile & macroeconomic resilience
  • Investment-grade sovereign ratings maintained by leading agencies despite global volatility.
  • Agencies highlight improvements in fiscal management, public debt levels, external buffers, and the stabilizing role of sovereign wealth assets.
  • Enhanced policy coordination and fiscal discipline reduce the probability of systemic stress.
2. Business environment
  • Notable reforms in business registration, contract enforcement, investor protection, and access to finance.
  • Progress in regulatory quality, digitalization, and government-business interaction is reflected in daily commercial operations.
3. Reliability of counterparties & payment discipline
  • Public and private companies show improved payment discipline and stable financial track records.
  • Operational and credit risks are reduced for insurers, export credit agencies, and lenders.
  • Corporate governance and risk management align increasingly with international norms, especially among export-oriented enterprises.
  • Kazakhstan’s ECA actively underwrites risks for export-oriented companies, with debt service history evaluated positively.
4. Banking sector resilience & state support
  • Stable and resilient banking system; stress events managed through timely regulation.
  • State interventions strengthened liquidity, capital adequacy, and market confidence.
5. Corporate & quasi-sovereign financing
  • Active participation in international capital markets by state and quasi-state entities.
  • Private corporates attract strategic partners for investment and technology collaboration.
  • Improved sovereign ratings facilitate external financing and project launches.
6. Investment support & legal certainty
  • Expanded toolkit: project facilitation, targeted incentives, strategic frameworks.
  • Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) provides English-law principles and independent dispute resolution, enhancing confidence in long-term, capital-intensive projects.
7. Infrastructure & economic diversification
  • Investments in transport, energy, manufacturing, agribusiness, and renewables.
  • Diversification reduces sector dependence, mitigates volatility, and strengthens regional/global supply chain roles.
8. Implications for international financial and insurance markets
  • Trends in sovereign ratings, business environment, banking stability, corporate financing, and institutional quality indicate a gradual reduction of country risk.
  • Opportunities expand in infrastructure, trade finance, project finance, political risk insurance, and structured financial products.
  • Improved institutional quality, counterparty reliability, and external financing access signal significant long-term potential.
Conclusion Over the past three years, Kazakhstan has achieved:
  • Stronger sovereign credit profile
  • Improved business environment
  • Enhanced investor protection
  • Economic diversification
  • Resilient banking system
These developments, confirmed by international assessments and practical market behavior, provide a solid foundation for deeper cooperation with global insurers, ECAs, and financial institutions.
For any questions regarding Kazakhstan or specific regional developments, please feel free to reach out. I will provide detailed responses and, where appropriate, engage relevant government authorities to offer comprehensive insights.


Best regards,
Ayan Bektybayeva - Prague Club Vice Chair
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board
"Export credit agency of Kazakhstan" JSC
tel.: +7-778-102-79-01
email: a.bektybayeva@kazakhexport.kz
www.kazakhexport.kz]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:58:20 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7007-inquiry--egypts-country-risk.aspx Topic "Inquiry - Egypt’s Country Risk" a message from Heike Kensmann
We did not change our cover policy recently: Our current short-term cover policy for transactions up to 360 days allows for cover case-by-case for public sector transactions, particularly for projects enhancing economic development. For private sector transactions, cover would be taken into consideration based on sound buyer information..

Our payment experience improved in the aftermath of the financial crises in 2023/2024, and our claims situation in Egypt has been stable in recent years.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information or to look at our country information website on Egypt.


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:07:58 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic7007-inquiry--egypts-country-risk.aspx Topic "Inquiry - Egypt’s Country Risk" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin
THAI EXIM is currently conducting a review of the country risk and also payment default risk of buyers in Egypt. We would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly share your experience with the updated Short-term Cover Policy, including terms and conditions, payment experience, claims, and any other relevant information you may have.

Best regards,
THAI EXIM]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:54:10 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6995-cover-policy-for-russia.aspx Topic "Cover policy for Russia" a message from Sonja Wittkowski
As to Russia, cover facilities are not available.


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Thu, 08 May 2025 09:14:40 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6995-cover-policy-for-russia.aspx Topic "Cover policy for Russia" a message from Vedrana Gavran Franić Dear colleagues, could you share your cover policy regarding Russia? Thank you.]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:38:26 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Phil Quinn
Kind regards

Phil Quinn]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:11:22 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Phil Quinn Andrea Bulasch wrote:
Dear Phil,

The limit was granted some years ago (2020). However, there was no recent turnover covered, so the limit is currently not in use.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division
]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:07:58 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Andrea Bulasch
The limit was granted some years ago (2020). However, there was no recent turnover covered, so the limit is currently not in use.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:16:15 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Phil Quinn Can I just ask how long your cover has been in place for and when it expires?
The reason I ask is that S&P reports indicate significant problems for Ecuador to finance and roll over its external debt in 2026.

Best regards

Phil]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:49:07 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Andrea Bulasch
regarding short-term cover on Empresa Publica De Hidrocarburos Del Ecuador we have one whole-turnover cover policy. We have no negative payment experience, so far.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:36:18 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6993-cover-on-ecuador.aspx Topic "Cover on Ecuador" a message from Phil Quinn
NZ Export Credit has been approached to provide short term cover on Empresa Publica De Hidrocarburos Del Ecuador. (EP Petro Ecuador).

Do any of the members have experience with this counterparty? We seek your advice.

Thanks

Phil Quinn]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:32:42 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6989-inquiry-about-your-action-for-the-current-situation-in-yemen.aspx Topic "Inquiry about your action for the current situation in Yemen" a message from Sonja Wittkowski
Thank you for your inquiry regarding export credit insurance in Yemen.
Under current circumstances we would be highly reluctant to new grant cover. We are closely monitoring the situation.
However, we still cover a small number of regular deliveries under long existing contracts and with short repayment terms.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:27:39 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6989-inquiry-about-your-action-for-the-current-situation-in-yemen.aspx Topic "Inquiry about your action for the current situation in Yemen" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin
Regarding to the current situation in Yemen, we would appreciate it if you could share us whether your organization continues to provide Export Credit Insurance in Yemen. If so, please kindly provide additional information whether there are any special conditions associated with it or which conditions you are currently provide the coverage.

Thank you for sharing the information with us.

Best regards,
THAI EXIM]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:35:38 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6953-underwriting-guidelines-and-sop-in-response-to-country-risks.aspx Topic "Underwriting Guidelines and SOP in Response to Country Risks" a message from Heike Kensmann
Global developments are monitored closely by our team of country risk experts. In case of rising risks (e.g. the Russian invasion in Ukraine) we propose adjustments to our cover policy to our interministerial committee which decides on a case by case basis. Our underwriters then implement the decision of the interministerial committee (e.g. by suspending credit limits). We do not have a standard list of factors taken into consideration or a fixed time frame. Decisions are taken individually depending on the circumstances in the respective country.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:52:33 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6953-underwriting-guidelines-and-sop-in-response-to-country-risks.aspx Topic "Underwriting Guidelines and SOP in Response to Country Risks" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin

In light of the increasing country risks in recent years—such as wars, civil unrest, geopolitical issues, terrorist attacks, and foreign currency shortages—which have inevitably impacted global trade and business, we are seeking your feedback on how you manage these risks in your Short Term Export Credit, Medium and Long Term, and Investment Insurance businesses.

Specifically, we would appreciate your kind response on the following points:

1. Have there been any changes to your underwriting guidelines in response to these events? If possible, please provide examples.
2. Do you have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling such situations? If so, please provide a brief description.
3. What are the key factors that you will consider to stop underwriting or suspending or canceling the credit limit?
4. In the event of a conflict between two countries there are invasions or attack each other. What does your organization do? How long do you wait before taking any action?
5. Who is responsible for making decisions on these actions, such as continuing coverage or suspending the credit limit (e.g., underwriter or higher-level management)?

We believe that your insights will be precious to us. Thank you for sharing this information.

Best regards,
THAI EXIM
edited by THAIEXIMBANK Admin on 7/12/2024]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:34:50 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6948-export-credit-insurance-and-political-risk-insurance-in-myanmar.aspx Topic "Export Credit Insurance and Political Risk Insurance in Myanmar" a message from Heike Kensmann
Thank you for contacting us. Basically we provide cover for Myanmar on a case by case basis, but we do not see a significant demand for it.

Please feel free to contact us again.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Wed, 29 May 2024 07:04:30 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6948-export-credit-insurance-and-political-risk-insurance-in-myanmar.aspx Topic "Export Credit Insurance and Political Risk Insurance in Myanmar" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin Considering the current situation in Myanmar, we would appreciate it if you could share us whether your organization continues to provide Export Credit Insurance and/or Political Risk Insurance in Myanmar, and if so, whether there are any special conditions associated with it.
Thank you for sharing the information with us.
Best regards,
THAI EXIM]]> Mon, 27 May 2024 01:54:33 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6936-inquiry-about-your-action-or-measure-for-israeliran.aspx Topic "Inquiry about your action or measure for Israel-Iran" a message from Heike Kensmann
We are following the current developments very closely, but have not changed our cover policy for the two countries.

We are open to business in Israel without any restrictions, but we do not provide cover for business with Iran.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:46:26 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6936-inquiry-about-your-action-or-measure-for-israeliran.aspx Topic "Inquiry about your action or measure for Israel-Iran" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin
Due to the latest development on Israel-Iran tensions, we would appreciate it if you could share with us what your organization has taken any action or measure on Short-Term Export Credit Insurance cover for both countries.

Thank you for sharing the information with us.

Best regards,
THAI EXIM]]> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:42:40 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6922-enquiry-on-the-israel-and-west-bank-and-gaza-palestinian-territory-cover-policy-under-shortterm-export-credit-insurance.aspx Topic "Enquiry on the ISRAEL and West Bank and Gaza (PALESTINIAN TERRITORY) Cover Policy under Short-Term Export Credit Insurance" a message from Sonja Wittkowski
We have suspended cover for Gaza and the West Bank with the exception of transactions with humanitarian goods with credit periods of up to 360 days on a case-by-case basis.

Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:01:13 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6922-enquiry-on-the-israel-and-west-bank-and-gaza-palestinian-territory-cover-policy-under-shortterm-export-credit-insurance.aspx Topic "Enquiry on the ISRAEL and West Bank and Gaza (PALESTINIAN TERRITORY) Cover Policy under Short-Term Export Credit Insurance" a message from THAIEXIMBANK Admin

Due to the current situation in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza (Palestinian Territory), we would appreciate it if you could share with us whether your organization still provides Short-Term Export Credit Insurance cover for new and existing credit limits in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza (Palestinian Territory). And if so, are there any conditions imposed?

Thank you for sharing the information with us.

Best regards,
THAI EXIM]]> Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:57:56 GMT https://forum.berneunion.org/topic6805-country-cover-policy-on-egypt.aspx Topic "Country Cover policy on Egypt" a message from Heike Kensmann
We also recognized some increase in overdues in the past couple of months, but no increase in claims. We are carefully observing the developments in the country, and it seems it relates to the foreign currency policy of the country.

Our cover facilities towards Egypt remains as follows (please see also our website: https://www.agaportal.de/en/laenderinfo/land/aegypten):

Grading: 5/7

ST: CBC
MLT: P: CBC, CBG on CBC / C: NR, CBG on CBC


Kind regards

Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft
Federal Export Credit Guarantee Division]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2023 13:02:03 GMT